Ho-Hum

Robert Christgau once wrote of a Creedence album, "Ho-hum another Creedence album". He gave the album an A-, but fatigue was settling in. And it's true, one can get complacent when an artist is consistently good. Take Richard Thompson. He's had a steller solo career, and his latest Sweet Warrior, is no exception. His usual array of dark romance, dark world and on this, a dark political overtone are on display. And he's a great guitarist. But I doubt you'll see it on many year end lists, because Thompson long ago crossed that "ho-hum" moment. I would lump some of these favorites of mine in that same category: John Prine, Los Lobos, Steely Dan (or Donald Fagen solo), Prince, Pet Shop Boys. All have put out good albums recently that can't get any critical traction beyond their fan base. But it's us die-hards that keep these people recording. So, when I saw some initial positive reviews for Thompson, I went for it. And it was money well spent. Which hopefully means that he'll pop out another one in a couple of years.